Parrot a well known name in wireless technology have released a Bluetooth enabled headset for motorcycles. Known under the name Parrot SK 4000, the Bluetooth headset is meant for single use (i.e. no intercom), connecting to a Bluetooth equipped mobile phone. They also offer a FM RDSRadio Data System, or RDS, is a standard from the European Broadcasting Union for sending small amounts of digital information using conventional FM radio broadcasts. The RDS system standardises several types of information transmitted, including time, track/artist info and station identification. RDS has been standard in Europe and Latin America since the early 1990s, but less so in North America. stereo radio within the unit.
The radio can be managed using a remote controller that can be fixed to your handlebar. The remote controller communicates with the helmet unit using wireless RF.
The Parrot interface allows for the use of voice dialing. The Parrot has a voice recognizing software that will dial the number of the person whose name you pronounce. No voice training is required.
You can "walk" through your dialing directory using the remote control, the Parrot will "read" out the names to you. The same applies to the FM radio, the Parrot will tell you which station you're listening to (if the station is RDS enabled).
The battery will last 10 hours while blasting away music, so enough for any long trip. In standby, the battery will last 600 hours. It takes 3 hours to fully charge the unit.
The helmet unit adds 102 grams to the weight of your helmet. The unit has been tested with the Garmin Zumo GPS (so you can receive navigation instructions), but not with the TomTom Rider (yet-this will be done shortly). Available in the USA starting March 2008 for around $292. Press Release via
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